Ro Sparks review: what to know before buying

Looking for a real Ro Sparks review? You’ve come to the right place. 

First, the basics: Ro Sparks is a prescription treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) from telehealth company, Ro (yup, that’s us). It contains sildenafil and tadalafil — the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis, respectively, and two of the most commonly prescribed ED medications. 

Ro Sparks is a sublingual lozenge. It’s placed under the tongue, where it dissolves and enters the bloodstream faster than other ED drugs. As a result, Ro Sparks gets you hard in 15 minutes on average. And thanks to tadalafil, it keeps you ready for up to 36 hours after that. 

In this guide, we’ll share Ro Sparks reviews from real patients and provide a clear, comprehensive breakdown of the ED treatment: how it works, its effectiveness at treating ED, its cost, and more. We’ll also take a look at alternative treatments to help you decide whether Ro Sparks is the right choice for you or if there’s another option that could be a better fit. 

Note: This article is Ro-sponsored content intended for informational purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your condition or treatment, please talk to your healthcare provider.

Ro is accredited with the Better Business Bureau. 

On TrustPilot, Ro holds an average rating of 3.7 out of 5, with a total of 2,327 reviews (as of publication). More than 1,500 of those — 65%, to be exact — are 5-star reviews, many of which focus on the company’s continued support and communication, convenience, and effective products. 

Here are some Ro Sparks-specific reviews on TrustPilot: 

“Best ED medication on the market! I’ve tried them all and Ro Sparks out beats them all. Fast, hard erection within 15 mins. I’ve also noticed that I last much longer and 1 dose works for up to 3 days.” – C C 

“Ro Sparks Game Changer. Ro really has a great product now with Sparks. It is an excellent product at a reasonable price. Doctors are good at prescribing and responding to concerns and questions.” – Mike 

Through Yotpo, a customer feedback platform, real Ro patients are also able to voice their thoughts on Ro’s products. Here’s a sampling of what they’re saying about Sparks:

“So far, the experience using Ro Sparks has been a positive one. I no longer have to think an hours or so ahead of time that I want to have sex only to find out that my wife is not ready. We can decide how we feel and 15 minutes later I'm ready to go.” – Michael 

“Has helped where others have failed. The 15 minutes and the stamina that lasts more than 8 hours is true. Discrete, childproof packaging, everything is great.” – Miguel 

“The RO Spark dissolvable tablets have allowed me to revisit my youth. I am very pleased with the performance as well as my spouse. I would highly recommend this product for any male needing a boost!” – Barry

"I've tried other ED meds (Hims) and it just didn't have the results like I've gotten from Roman."

"I’ve tried 2 other big names on the market but it didn't work on me. But this combined medication worked really well. I'm so happy I finally convinced myself to try again and picked Ro."

Ro Sparks

Hard in 15 mins (on avg), ready for up to 36 hours, 2-in-1 formula

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Here’s a quick breakdown of what Ro Sparks are and whether it might be suitable for you: 

What it is: Ro Sparks is a 2-in-1 fast-acting ED treatment. It is a sublingual lozenge that contains the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis: 

• Sildenafil 50 mg 

• Tadalafil 22 mg 

How it works: Ro Sparks is placed under your tongue, where it dissolves in about 10 minutes. The medication is absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessels under the tongue (instead of the stomach, like traditional ED meds). This allows for fast-acting effects once you’re aroused. (Arousal is necessary for active ingredients sildenafil and tadalafil to work and support erections.) This also means that you can take Ro Sparks on an empty or full stomach, unlike traditional ED meds (which typically work best sans-food or drink).  

How quickly it kicks in: 15 minutes on average after it dissolves 

How long it lasts: up to 36 hours

Good for: Men who want a fast-acting, long-lasting ED treatment that’s discreet, who don’t like swallowing pills, and who don’t want to plan what and when they eat and drink around treatment.   

Not ideal for: Men with certain heart conditions, those taking nitrates, or anyone who prefers single-medication options.

Ro Sparks contains two well-known ED ingredients:

• Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) 

• Tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis)

Both sildenafil and tadalafil belong to a class of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. By supporting the body’s ability to create and maintain an erection, these drugs help improve erectile function. 

Though Ro Sparks is not specifically FDA-approved, its active ingredients — sildenafil and tadalafil — are individually FDA-approved for ED.

Here’s how PDE5 inhibitors work: When you’re turned on, your body releases nitric oxide in the blood vessels of the penis. That triggers the production of a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a chemical messenger that relaxes smooth muscle tissue in the penis. 

As the muscles relax, blood flows more freely into the area — specifically, into the sponge-like chambers known as the corpora cavernosa. This causes the penis to expand and harden, creating a boner. 

Once sexual activity is over, an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) usually breaks down cGMP, allowing the erection to chill out or subside. In men with ED, however, this process can be off. PDE5 might break down cGMP too quickly, or not enough blood reaches the penis to stay firm. 

That’s where PDE5 inhibitors come in, though. They block the breakdown of cGMP, helping it stick around longer so blood flow can keep going where it’s needed. This typically results in a firmer, more dependable erection that’s easier to get and to maintain during sexual activity. 

One important note: Like all medications in this class, sildenafil and tadalafil — and thus, Ro Sparks — do not create an erection by themselves. You still need sexual stimulation to trigger the release of nitric oxide that kicks off the whole erectile process. PDE5 inhibitors support and amplify your body’s natural response so that it works more reliably. That’s why they’re often prescribed as first-line treatment for ED. 

Sildenafil

Sildenafil (also known as sildenafil citrate) is the active ingredient in Viagra. Viagra, BTW, was the first medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ED. 

It’s typically taken as-needed, about 30–60 minutes before sex. Sildenafil lasts about four hours. 

Tadalafil 

Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis. Like sildenafil, it’s a PDE5 inhibitor that’s FDA-approved for ED. Unlike sildenafil, it’s also approved to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 

For ED, in particular, tadalafil can be taken as-needed about 30 minutes before sex or once daily, which can allow for more spontaneity (think: ready whenever). Its effects can last up to 36 hours. This long half-life doesn’t mean you’re going to have an erection for this long— just that the effects of helping you achieve a hard-on when aroused will last this long.  

Pairing sildenafil and tadalafil can give you the best of both worlds. This can mean feeling effects more quickly (in the case of Ro Sparks, just 15 minutes after it fully dissolves!) and staying ready for up to 36 hours.

Here’s what research says about the potential perks:

• In one study of men with ED, adding on-demand sildenafil to daily tadalafil improved erection scores and sexual-encounter outcomes more than tadalafil alone, especially in tougher, severe cases. Plus, side effects were similar between groups. 

• A 2021 review and meta-analysis found that combination approaches (including adding daily tadalafil) to treatment regimens can help people who didn’t have success on a single ED med, without introducing new safety issues. That said, the authors still note that research is mixed and not one-size-fits-all. So combining two drugs is something to consider with your healthcare provider and can be especially helpful in difficult-to-treat ED. 

Ro Sparks uses PDE5 inhibitors (specifically, sildenafil and tadalafil). Meaning, its side effects are generally similar to what you’d expect from brand-name or generic Viagra and Cialis since Ro Sparks contains the same active ingredients. These effects are typically mild to moderate and tend to resolve on their own as your body adjusts to the medication. 

Here are the most commonly reported side effects of PDE5 inhibitors:

• Headache

• Flushing 

• Upset stomach, heartburn, or indigestion 

• Runny nose or nasal congestion

• Body aches, including back pain

• Temporary visual effects, such as color vision changes (objects may appear to have a blue tinge)

In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, including:

• Vision loss 

• Hearing loss

• Priapism (a painful erection that lasts four or more hours) 

Risks and considerations:

• Higher doses of sildenafil or tadalafil can raise the risk of experiencing side effects. 

• PDE5 inhibitors are not a fit or safe for everyone. This is especially true of men with certain heart conditions or blood pressure abnormalities. 

• PDE5 inhibitors may interact poorly with other drugs, such as nitrates or certain blood pressure medications. Taking them together can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. 

• Like all prescription medications, Ro Sparks should only be taken under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. 

The TL;DR? The side effects of Ro Sparks mirror those of traditional ED medications like Viagra and Cialis. Most men tolerate PDE5 inhibitors well, but they’re not right for everyone — particularly people with certain heart or blood pressure conditions. For advice about your own condition and treatment, please consult your healthcare provider. 

If you are ever concerned about a potential side effect, tell your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical attention.

Ro Sparks is designed to be straightforward and affordable. On a monthly plan, Ro Sparks costs $72 for 6 doses, which breaks down to about $12 per dose. 

You can also choose plans that include anywhere from 4 to 10 doses per month, depending on how often you want to keep Sparks on hand.

Prefer to stock up less often? Ro also offers a quarterly plan, which includes a $15 discount built into each order. Plus, if you’re a new patient, you’ll also get $15 off your first recurring order if Ro Sparks is prescribed.

Beyond cost per dose, there are additional benefits that come with being a Ro patient:

• Shipping is always free and discreet, so your privacy is protected.

• You can cancel anytime.

• It’s easy to manage or adjust your subscription online, including how often you get it and how many doses you receive per shipment.

Plus, your Ro-affiliated provider will help recommend the right plan for you, so you’re never left guessing.

The individual active ingredients in Ro Sparks — sildenafil and tadalafil — are individually FDA-approved to treat ED. However, Ro Sparks itself is not. That’s because Ro Sparks is a compounded medication, which means it is not evaluated by the FDA for safety and efficacy like other prescription medications. 

Because Ro Sparks is a prescription medication, you’ll need an Rx from a licensed healthcare provider — in this case, one that is Ro-affiliated. Here’s how to get Ro Sparks: 

1. Online visit. Start by answering a few questions about your health history and ED symptoms — a process that is safe, secure, and takes about 20 minutes (or less) to complete. 

2. Clinical evaluation. A licensed Ro-affiliated healthcare provider will review your information and determine the best treatment plan for you. You’ll typically hear back within 24 hours of completing an online visit. 

3. Prescription and plan. If prescribed, you can choose how many doses you’d like each month (4, 6, 8, or 10). From there, your medication is prepared by a licensed pharmacy, packaged discreetly, and shipped free to your door. You can expect to receive your order in 4–7 days.

The entire experience is designed to be fast, easy, and private — no waiting rooms, no pharmacy lines, no need to even put on pants.

Another major perk: You also get ongoing access to your Ro-affiliated provider for follow-up questions or adjustments. So, care doesn’t stop once your order arrives.

Ro Sparks can be a great option for a wide range of men living with erectile dysfunction thanks to its fast onset, long duration, and easy-to-take format. 

Because Ro Sparks is a sublingual lozenge that dissolves under the tongue, it may be especially appealing if you don’t love swallowing pills or want something more discreet and portable.

Ro Sparks may be a good option if you’re looking for:

• Fast-acting support. You want something that works quickly (on average, about 15 minutes after it dissolves).

• Flexibility and spontaneity. Tadalafil in Ro Sparks can provide a window of up to 36 hours, so you’re not tied to the clock. 

• Discreet, pill-free options. You’d prefer a dissolvable lozenge over traditional tablets you have to swallow.

• Trusted ingredients. You want ED treatment that uses the same active ingredients found in brand-name Viagra and Cialis.

• Convenient access. You like the idea of a simple online visit, discreet shipping, and easy plan management.

• Combined power. You’ve tried single medication ED treatment (monotherapy) in the past and didn’t experience the outcomes you wanted. So, combining sildenafil and tadalafil may offer the support you need. 

Who is Ro Sparks not ideal for? 

Of course, ED treatment is not one-size-fits-all. What works well for one person may not be right for another, and Ro Sparks is no exception. 

Men with certain cardiovascular conditions, those who take nitrates, or anyone with health issues that make PDE5 inhibitors unsafe should avoid the medication. 

That’s why the first step is always a consultation with a licensed healthcare provider, who can help determine whether Ro Sparks — or another ED treatment — is the best fit for you.

PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil are frequently first-line treatment for ED. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a fit for everyone with down-there difficulties. 

Here are some other options to consider and discuss with your provider:

Single PDE5 inhibitors. You don’t have to start with a two-drug combo. Many men begin treating their ED with a single PDE5 inhibitor, such as sildenafil or tadalafil (taken solo) or other medications like vardenafil. These are FDA-approved and well-studied. Depending on your experience with the medications and whether you experience side effects, your provider may steer you toward one or another before exploring compounded options.

Other non-pill options. For men who prefer not to take tablets, Ro also offers Daily Rise Gummies, fruit-flavored gummies formulated with tadalafil. They’re designed for once-daily use to provide around-the-clock readiness. Meaning, the dose is in your system 24/7, so you’re ready to go if and when arousal strikes. Though Daily Rise Gummies are not specifically FDA-approved for ED, their active ingredient — tadalafil — is.  

Beyond medications. Though PDE-5 inhibitors are often considered the first-line treatment for ED, they aren’t the only route. Other (or additional) approaches include:

• Lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and managing stress can all improve erectile function. For those with obesity or overweight, losing weight can also help address ED symptoms. 

• Therapy. For ED with a psychological component (e.g. stress-induced ED), counseling or sex therapy can be helpful.

• Devices. Penis pumps (aka vacuum erection devices) can improve blood flow and help with erections.

• Surgical options. Penile implants are typically reserved for men who haven’t had success with other treatments, but they remain an option.

Again, ED treatment is not one-size-fits-all. The best approach depends on your health, comfort, and goals. That’s why a conversation with a licensed healthcare provider is essential. 

And if you’d like to see how Ro compares to competitors like Hims, you can check out our Ro vs. Hims article, which highlights key differences in offerings, access, and support.

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Ro Sparks is a sublingual ED medication that combines sildenafil and tadalafil in one dissolvable lozenge. It’s designed to work quickly, last longer, and be easier to take than traditional pills. For many men, that means more flexibility, more discretion, and less stress about timing. Here’s what to remember:

• Ro Sparks combines the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis — sildenafil and tadalafil — into a sublingual treatment. These ingredients are FDA-approved for ED, well-studied, and proven to be effective. 

• Once it's dissolved, Ro Sparks takes about 15 minutes on average to kick. From there, it can last up to 36 hours thanks to the inclusion of tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis that’s known for its long-lasting effects. 

• Ro Sparks reviews from real patients highlight the treatment's efficacy, fast-acting and long-lasting effects, and positive impact on relationships. Other pros include Ro’s ease of use, especially when it comes to provider compassion and responsiveness.